Set in the coastal suburb of Thirroul, close to the local beach, this residence draws its inspiration not from the waves lapping on its doorstep but from the dominating landscape feature of the area, the Illawarra Escarpment. The edge of the Southern Highlands Plateau is the ever present weather maker of the region, trapping clouds and shading its foothills from the sun in winter while commanding views towards the west with the light playing across its cliff face. These cliffs have been formed through erosion and expose the geological layering within. Claystone, Shale and Sandstone layers are interlaced with a coal seam running through the lower part of the slope. Dubbed the Escarpment House, this residence takes clues from these geological layers surrounding it with its structure layered similarly. A black concrete slab and portal structure forms the lower living areas referencing the coal seam running underneath it, while layers of lighter materials and natural timbers dominate the upper level in reference to the 1800s timber industry in search for the ‘red gold’, the Australian Red Cedar that supported the earliest settlements along its slope.

A timber frame hugs and embraces the spaces to the south. The brief for this project asked for a flexible home that would suit the owner living, working from home, but also accommodate, sustain and delight family life. It includes three bedrooms plus library and an office space, both with a separate entry. Living areas are located downstairs as large, open and airy spaces framed by the concrete portals to relate to the garden, while the bedrooms are tucked away upstairs where the house takes on a more enclosed, homely feel. Intensely customised, it features purpose built timber door furniture, handmade steel lights, steel door jambs against the concrete columns, and a FC clad bathroom as a counterpoint to the recent land release developments of limited variability in the area. As such its creation relied upon the skills of local craftsmen - flaming and quenching the raw steel tube lights in hot oil to protect them from the elements and crafted timber details seen throughout the house such as the light brackets, timber clad bathroom box and custom entry door.